APC E-News – Spring Edition 2016

Our website has a new-look!

You may have noticed that the APC website has a new-look. As we mentioned in the Autumn E-News, we are making changes to the way we communicate with you based on your feedback. This includes a new-look website featuring the information you find most valuable. The work isn’t complete yet, we will continue to update and refresh our content as we go, ensuring we provide you with the latest news and information relevant to you.

We are still, as we have always been, dedicated to providing you with information to assist with achieving your best outcome; aiming for your best possible comfort, your best possible function and your best possible lifestyle.

APC Prosthetics Alexandria Clinic opening celebrations

On Thursday 21st July 2016, the APC Prosthetics Group hosted a night of festivities as we came together to celebrate the official opening of APC Alexandria, Sydney’s newest prosthetic facility since 2004.

The evening kicked off with a walk-through the modern facility, showcasing the new space. The Alexandria Clinic hosts ‘esp’ (Esthetique Silicone Program), producing high definition silicon solutions through individualised colour matching and shaping. Some of these were on display on the night. Guests were also able to speak with APC staff about the NDIS, Osseointegration and premium solutions for upper and lower extremity amputees.

A couple of advanced lifestyle stories

The teams at APC Prosthetics have had many years of experience working with microprocessor knee units (MPKs). For those that aren’t familiar; MPKs incorporate sensors that feed through a microprocessor which, in turn controls how the knee joint functions in response. This technology has been around for over 30 years now and is continually evolving to provide the most sophisticated control of the knee joint resulting in energy efficient, reliable and safe walking for our valued clients.

One of the most recent and technologically advanced MPK is the RHEO KNEE 3 (search also RHEO KNEE XC). This is the only MPK to incorporate Magnetorheologic fluid which, aside from sounding like something out of a Sci-Fi movie, is known to create far less resistance during the swing phase of walking than hydraulic fluid. In short, this improves energy efficiency, walking speed and allows for a more natural gait.

We wanted to share the story of two of our clients from APC Hunter who have been fitted with their new prostheses incorporating RHEO KNEE 3.

Toby’s story

Toby is 23 years old. Toby and his partner have recently welcomed their baby girl into the world. Other than being a doting father, Toby is studying to be a personal trainer and enjoys many different high energy activities such as MotoX, spearfishing, camping, walking and going to the gym. Toby found that his mechanical hydraulic knee joint allowed him to return to many of the activities he enjoyed, however, he always felt held back by a lack of reliability, having to wait for the knee joint and the constant necessary repairs.

Toby comments that since the fitting of his new prosthesis incorporating RHEO KNEE 3, he doesn’t have to second guess whether the knee joint is going to fail on him. Toby has been able to significantly increase his walking speed and distance – his partner now has to keep up with him when they are on walks together! Perhaps most significantly, Toby comments that he does not have the soreness he did previously in his sound side knee and ankle at the end of a long day. This is incredibly important for a young man: looking after the sound limb now will greatly improve his quality of life in later years.

Mick’s story

Husband, father of 2 adolescent children, Work Health and Safety Manager for a large coal company. Mick is an active person; whether it be carrying out maintenance work on his home, kayaking, walking the dog or helping out at the local AFL club. Since his amputation 7 years ago, Mick has managed to get back to work and many of the activities and duties required of him.

At the end of the day however, he constantly found himself tired, sore and desperate to take his prosthesis off. Since the fitting of his new prosthesis incorporating RHEO KNEE 3, Mick finds that not only is he able to do more functionally (walking, working, etc.), he can be active with his family after work and doesn’t feel completely exhausted at the end of the day.

Jade’s journey – raising funds and awareness

A 132km Walk or Nobby’s Beach, Newcastle to Manly Beach, Sydney. This was the 11 day journey that bilateral transtibial amputee Jade ‘Red’ Wheatley recently completed to raise funds and awareness for the Australian Adaptive Surfing Team; which will help him to compete in the upcoming World Titles to be held in the USA. Jade walked, talked and surfed his way down the coastline as he was joined by his friends, family and other surfers at different stages.

The amount of community support particularly that of the surfing community that Jade received throughout the walk was awesome. Unfortunately the weather was not always kind, with it producing the odd day of rain and wind. The numerous Surf Life Saving Clubs became a warm and dry place for Jade to sleep along the way. Both Ian and I were fortunate enough to join Jade for the last leg (no pun intended) of this epic journey, walking the picturesque coastline from Collaroy Beach to the finish line at Manly Beach.

As if this walk wasn’t enough, Jade completed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb the following day. It was amazing to be able to complete this feat with Jade and 5 other amputees; which included two other APC Prosthetics (Hunter) clients Darryl and Grant.

The Adaptive Surfers of Australia (ASA) encompasses not only amputees but any surfer who has had to overcome a disability in order to get back into the ocean and surf.

If you would like to support the Australian Adaptive Surfing Team please visit the website www.walkforwaves.com to donate.